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High Tech Middle School Adds to Theater, Physics Studies With Help From Barona Band of Mission Indians

$5,000 Barona Education Grant to Be Used for Purchase of Equipment for Theater, Physics Students

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 5, 2012) - High Tech Middle School will use a $5,000 education grant from the Barona Band of Mission Indians to combine the study of light with the world of theater.

Today, the Barona Tribe awarded the grant to school officials, who will use the money to purchase theater equipment to enhance the school's drama program while giving science students the opportunity to study the physics of light in real-world situations. State Senator Christine Kehoe and Principal Steven Elizondo were in attendance to accept the grant on behalf of the school from Chairman Edwin "Thorpe" Romero of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

"We are so honored to be able to help this incredible team of teachers and administrators reach students in a new, innovative way," Chairman Romero said.

With the Barona Education grant money, the school will purchase a variety of items including LED light bars, dimmer packs, 25 sets of cables, gels and wrenches and 10 stage lights. High Tech Middle School, part of the High Tech High school system, is known for its innovative curriculum that allows students to work on long-term projects that peak their respective interests. The Barona Education Grant gives High Tech Middle School an opportunity to continue and expand that mission.

As school budgets statewide continue to be cut, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been sharing resources through its Barona Education Grant Program. Since 2006, Barona has awarded more than $1.5 million to over 300 schools statewide.

The Barona Education Grant Program is the first of its kind in California created and administered by a Tribal Government. The goal of the program is to create strong educational opportunities for the children of California building upon the success of the Barona Indian Charter School, which operates under a continuous improvement model.

Schools throughout California can apply for educational grants from Barona to purchase much-needed supplies and materials that promote academic improvement. Each grant awarded by the Barona Education Grant Program is $5,000. Applications can be downloaded at http://barona-nsn.gov/education.

About the Barona Band of Mission IndiansThe Barona Band of Mission Indians, recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation, has lived on the Barona Indian Reservation in rural eastern San Diego County since 1932. Prior to that, the Tribe lived on the Capitan Grande Reservation which was established by the federal government in 1875. Long before living on a reservation, the Tribe traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided. Today, the sovereign nation, governed by an elected Tribal Council, is serving its Tribal members, their families, and sharing with the San Diego region. One of the most successful gaming Tribes in the country, Barona also owns and operates the Barona Resort & Casino, San Diego's leading gaming resort, casino and golf course. For more information, visit www.barona-nsn.gov.